Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Bronco Badlands, a vehicle that's been making waves in the off-road community. If you're considering taking the plunge and buying one of these bad boys, you're probably wondering: Is it really worth the hype? Well, buckle up because we're about to break down everything you need to know, from its impressive capabilities to its creature comforts (or lack thereof!). We'll explore the engine options, the Badlands-specific features, the interior, the exterior, and, most importantly, how it performs both on and off the pavement. By the end of this review, you'll have a clear picture of whether the 2022 Bronco Badlands is the right ride for your adventurous spirit. The Bronco Badlands is not just a vehicle; it's a statement. It's a declaration that you're ready to tackle tough terrains and embrace the great outdoors. But with a price tag that can easily climb, it's crucial to know exactly what you're getting for your money. So, let's get started and uncover all the details of this rugged and capable SUV. The 2022 Bronco Badlands is designed to be a top-tier off-road performer. To truly understand what this vehicle offers, we have to delve into the specifics that set it apart from other trims in the Bronco lineup. From its advanced four-wheel-drive system to its robust suspension, every aspect is geared towards maximizing its capability when the pavement ends. This isn't just a cosmetic upgrade; the Badlands trim comes with significant mechanical enhancements that make it a formidable machine on challenging trails.

Engine and Performance

Let's kick things off under the hood. The 2022 Bronco Badlands offers a few engine choices, but the most popular are the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. The 2.3-liter is a solid performer, delivering around 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. It's peppy, responsive, and provides plenty of grunt for most off-road situations. However, if you're looking for that extra punch, the 2.7-liter V6 is the way to go. This engine cranks out about 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, offering a noticeable increase in power and acceleration. The V6 makes conquering steep inclines and navigating tricky obstacles feel effortless. Now, let's talk about transmissions. You've got the option of a 7-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. The manual is a great choice for those who enjoy a more engaging driving experience and want maximum control over the vehicle. The 10-speed automatic, on the other hand, is incredibly smooth and efficient, providing seamless gear changes and optimizing fuel economy. The automatic transmission also has the advantage of being more convenient for everyday driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic. One of the standout features of the Bronco Badlands is its advanced four-wheel-drive system. It comes standard with a part-time 4x4 system, but you can also opt for an advanced 4x4 system with automatic on-demand engagement. This system automatically switches between 2H, 4H, and 4L based on the driving conditions, providing optimal traction and stability. The Badlands also includes a front and rear locking differential, which allows you to lock the axles together for maximum grip in extreme off-road situations. This feature is particularly useful when traversing rocky terrain or deep mud. The suspension on the Bronco Badlands is designed for serious off-road performance. It features a high-performance, heavy-duty suspension with long-travel coil springs and Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. This setup provides excellent articulation, allowing the wheels to maintain contact with the ground even on uneven surfaces. The Badlands also has increased ground clearance compared to other Bronco trims, which further enhances its off-road capabilities. All of these factors combine to make the Bronco Badlands a true off-road beast. It can handle just about anything you throw at it, from rocky trails to sandy dunes to muddy bogs. The powerful engine, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and robust suspension work together to provide a confident and capable driving experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that the Badlands is designed for off-road performance, and its ride quality on the pavement may not be as smooth as some other SUVs. The knobby tires and stiff suspension can make for a somewhat bumpy ride, especially on rough roads. Despite this, the Bronco Badlands is still a fun and engaging vehicle to drive, and its off-road prowess more than makes up for any compromises in on-road comfort.

Off-Road Prowess

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter: the off-road prowess of the 2022 Bronco Badlands. This is where this vehicle truly shines. Ford engineered the Badlands trim specifically for tackling the toughest terrains, and it shows. The Bronco Badlands boasts a best-in-class suspension system, featuring HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) 4.0 with FOX shocks. This setup provides incredible articulation and damping, allowing the Bronco to crawl over rocks, navigate deep ruts, and soak up bumps with ease. The long-travel suspension ensures that your tires stay planted on the ground, maximizing traction and control. Another key feature is the electronic-locking front and rear differentials. These differentials allow you to lock the axles together, forcing both wheels on each axle to spin at the same speed. This is crucial in situations where one wheel might be lifted off the ground or lose traction. By locking the differentials, you ensure that power is sent to the wheels that have grip, allowing you to keep moving forward. The Bronco Badlands also comes standard with 33-inch all-terrain tires, which provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. You can even upgrade to 35-inch tires for even more ground clearance and traction. The larger tires, combined with the Bronco's short overhangs and high ground clearance, give it impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles. This means you can confidently navigate obstacles without worrying about scraping the bumpers or undercarriage. The G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system is another standout feature. This system allows you to select different driving modes that optimize the vehicle's settings for various types of terrain, such as Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja. Each mode adjusts the throttle response, transmission shift points, traction control, and stability control to provide the best possible performance for the given conditions. For example, in Rock Crawl mode, the Bronco will automatically engage the electronic-locking differentials, disconnect the sway bar, and provide precise throttle control for navigating rocky obstacles. The Bronco Badlands also has a Trail Control system, which is essentially cruise control for off-roading. You can set a desired speed, and the Bronco will automatically maintain that speed while you focus on steering and navigating the terrain. This is especially helpful on long, challenging trails where you might otherwise become fatigued. Of course, no discussion of the Bronco Badlands' off-road capabilities would be complete without mentioning its disconnecting front sway bar. This feature allows you to disconnect the front sway bar, increasing wheel articulation and allowing the front wheels to move independently of each other. This is particularly useful when crawling over rocks or navigating uneven terrain. All of these features, combined with the Bronco Badlands' rugged construction and durable components, make it one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or a beginner, the Bronco Badlands will inspire confidence and allow you to explore new and challenging terrain.

Interior and Technology

Alright, let's climb inside the 2022 Bronco Badlands and see what it has to offer in terms of interior and technology. While the Badlands is built for rugged adventures, it doesn't skimp entirely on comfort and convenience. The interior design is functional and durable, with a focus on practicality. You'll find plenty of grab handles, rubberized floor mats, and marine-grade vinyl upholstery that can withstand dirt, mud, and water. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing good bolstering for off-road excursions. However, they're not exactly plush or luxurious. The overall feel of the interior is more utilitarian than upscale, which is in line with the Badlands' off-road focus. In terms of technology, the Bronco Badlands comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, and the system is relatively intuitive. You can also upgrade to a 12-inch touchscreen for a larger display and more features. The infotainment system includes Ford's SYNC 4 software, which offers voice recognition, cloud-based connectivity, and over-the-air updates. You can use voice commands to control various functions, such as making phone calls, playing music, and navigating to destinations. The system also provides access to a variety of apps, such as FordPass, which allows you to remotely start the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors, and check vehicle status. The Bronco Badlands also comes standard with a digital instrument cluster that displays important vehicle information, such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature. You can customize the display to show different information, such as off-road data or navigation instructions. Other available technology features include a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, making it easier to navigate tight trails and parking spaces. You can also get a blind-spot monitoring system, which alerts you when there are vehicles in your blind spots, and a rear cross-traffic alert system, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. The Bronco Badlands also has a trail view camera, which provides a forward-facing view of the terrain ahead. This is particularly useful when navigating steep inclines or rocky obstacles. The camera displays the view on the infotainment screen, allowing you to see what's directly in front of the vehicle. While the interior of the Bronco Badlands is not as luxurious as some other SUVs, it's functional, durable, and equipped with enough technology to keep you connected and entertained on your adventures. The focus is on practicality and durability, which is in line with the Badlands' off-road mission. The technology features are well-integrated and easy to use, and they provide valuable assistance both on and off the road. However, if you're looking for a more luxurious and refined interior, you might want to consider a different trim level or a different vehicle altogether.

Exterior and Design

The exterior and design of the 2022 Bronco Badlands scream ruggedness and capability. This isn't your average, run-of-the-mill SUV; it's a purpose-built machine designed to tackle the toughest terrains. The Badlands trim takes the Bronco's already aggressive styling and dials it up a notch with unique features and accents. One of the most noticeable differences is the Badlands-specific suspension. The high-performance, heavy-duty suspension not only improves off-road capability but also gives the Bronco a more imposing stance. The increased ground clearance and wider track make it look like it's ready to conquer anything. The Badlands also comes standard with 33-inch all-terrain tires, which fill out the wheel wells and provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. You can even upgrade to 35-inch tires for an even more aggressive look and improved off-road performance. The front bumper on the Badlands is unique, featuring integrated fog lights and tow hooks. The steel bumper is designed to withstand impacts and protect the vehicle's front end from damage. The rear bumper also has integrated tow hooks and a high-clearance design for improved departure angles. The Badlands also features rock rails, which protect the vehicle's rocker panels from damage when crawling over rocks and other obstacles. The rock rails are made from heavy-duty steel and are bolted directly to the frame for maximum strength. The grille on the Badlands is finished in a unique gray color and features the iconic Bronco lettering. The headlights are LED and provide excellent visibility, while the taillights are also LED and have a distinctive design. The Bronco Badlands is available in a variety of colors, including some unique shades that are exclusive to the Badlands trim. You can also choose between a soft top or a hard top, depending on your preference. The soft top is easy to remove and provides an open-air experience, while the hard top offers more protection from the elements and reduces road noise. One of the most distinctive features of the Bronco is its removable doors and roof. This allows you to completely open up the vehicle and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. The doors can be stored in protective bags and the roof can be removed in sections, giving you a variety of configurations to choose from. The overall design of the Bronco Badlands is both functional and stylish. It's clear that Ford put a lot of thought into the details, creating a vehicle that looks as good as it performs. The rugged styling and aggressive stance make it stand out from the crowd, while the functional features ensure that it's ready for any adventure. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling a challenging trail, the Bronco Badlands is sure to turn heads and inspire confidence.

Is the 2022 Bronco Badlands Worth It?

So, the million-dollar question: Is the 2022 Bronco Badlands worth it? Well, that depends on your priorities and what you're looking for in a vehicle. If you're a serious off-roader who wants a capable and rugged machine that can tackle just about any terrain, then the answer is likely yes. The Bronco Badlands is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market, and its unique features and aggressive styling make it stand out from the crowd. The powerful engine, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and robust suspension work together to provide a confident and capable driving experience. The electronic-locking differentials, disconnecting sway bar, and G.O.A.T. Modes further enhance its off-road capabilities. However, if you're primarily looking for a comfortable and refined daily driver, then the Bronco Badlands might not be the best choice. The ride quality can be somewhat bumpy, especially on rough roads, and the interior is more utilitarian than luxurious. The fuel economy is also not great, especially with the larger engine and off-road tires. The price is another factor to consider. The Bronco Badlands is not cheap, and the price can quickly climb with options and accessories. You'll need to weigh the cost against the benefits and decide if it's worth the investment. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the 2022 Bronco Badlands is worth it is a personal one. You'll need to consider your needs, priorities, and budget and decide if it's the right vehicle for you. If you're a serious off-roader who values capability and ruggedness above all else, then the Bronco Badlands is definitely worth a look. But if you're primarily looking for a comfortable and refined daily driver, then you might want to consider other options. Before making a decision, it's a good idea to test drive the Bronco Badlands and see how it performs both on and off the road. This will give you a better sense of its capabilities and limitations and help you decide if it's the right vehicle for you.